Could You Have Hepatitis B without Realising It
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
What Every Singaporean Should Know About This Silent Liver Condition
What if your liver was quietly under threat, but you had no symptoms at all? This is the reality for many people living with hepatitis B in Singapore.
It is one of the most common chronic infections here, yet many discover it only during routine health screenings. If left unchecked, hepatitis B can cause long-term liver damage. But with timely care and monitoring, it can be managed effectively.
Here’s what you need to know, and what to look out for.
A Hidden Infection That Can Linger for Years
What is hepatitis B, and why is it so silent?
Hepatitis B is a long-lasting viral infection that targets the liver. Unlike a cold or flu, it does not always make you feel unwell. Some people carry the virus for decades without knowing.
In Singapore, where hepatitis B is relatively common, many are unaware of their status, especially those born before the introduction of national vaccination programmes.
If left unmanaged, the virus can cause liver inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.
Not Through a Hug or a Handshake
How does hepatitis B actually spread?
You cannot catch hepatitis B by sitting next to someone or sharing food. It is transmitted only through blood and certain body fluids.
Here are the main ways people get infected:
Unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner
Sharing needles or syringes
Non-sterile tattoos or piercings
From mother to baby during childbirth
Sharing razors or toothbrushes that may contain traces of blood
Understanding these risks is key to protecting yourself and others.
No Symptoms Does Not Mean No Problem
Can you really have hepatitis B without knowing it
Yes, and that is exactly what makes hepatitis B so challenging to detect and manage early. It is often referred to as a silent infection because most people with chronic hepatitis B do not feel unwell in the early stages. In fact, many only find out they have it after a routine health screening, blood test, or when symptoms of liver damage appear later in life.
When symptoms do occur, they tend to be mild and non-specific, which means they can easily be mistaken for general fatigue or stress-related issues. Common symptoms include:
Feeling tired or lacking energy
Poor appetite or changes in eating habits
Slight discomfort or heaviness in the upper right side of the abdomen
Yellowing of the skin or eyes, also known as jaundice
Dark-coloured urine
Because these signs are subtle and can overlap with other common conditions, hepatitis B often goes undiagnosed for years. During that time, the virus can quietly cause liver inflammation and damage.
This is why early detection and regular monitoring are so important. Identifying hepatitis B before symptoms appear allows for timely medical evaluation and, if needed, early intervention to protect your liver health.
Three Numbers That Reveal the Health of Your Liver
What does your doctor look for if you have hepatitis B?
ALT level
This blood test tells us whether your liver is inflamed.
HBV DNA level
This measures how much virus is in your blood and how active the infection is.
Liver stiffness or scarring
Using imaging or specialised blood tests, doctors assess if long-term liver damage has occurred.
These three factors guide whether treatment is needed or if regular monitoring is enough.
Do you need medicine for hepatitis B?
Not always. Some people can manage hepatitis B with regular monitoring alone. Others may need long-term medication to control the virus and protect the liver.
If treatment is required, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medication, such as tenofovir or entecavir. These help suppress the virus and prevent liver damage.
Even if you do not need medicine now, follow-ups every six months are vital to catch any changes early.
Why Screening Could Save Your Liver
Is it possible to have hepatitis B and not know it?
Yes, and that is why screening matters, especially in Singapore.
In some cases, the virus is passed from mother to baby at birth. Others contract it through medical procedures or close contact involving blood exposure.
Screening is quick and straightforward. If you are unsure about your status or at risk, speak to your doctor. Early detection can prevent long-term liver . Richmond Gastroenterology Centre, located at Farrer Park Hospital and Mount Elizabeth Hospital, we provide screening, diagnosis, and monitoring for hepatitis B and other liver conditions.
The Silent Threat You Shouldn’t Ignore
What happens if hepatitis B goes unchecked?
Without proper care, hepatitis B can slowly damage the liver over time. This could lead to serious consequences such as:
Cirrhosis
Liver failure
Liver cancer
But with regular monitoring and timely treatment where needed, many people with hepatitis B live long, healthy lives.
That’s why it’s important to stay informed, and stay on top of your follow-ups.
Taking the Next Step in Managing Hepatitis B
What should you do right now?
Hepatitis B may not cause symptoms, but it should never be ignored. If you have been diagnosed, or think you could be at risk, take the next step. Get tested, talk to a specialist, and stay on track with your liver health.
At Richmond Gastroenterology Centre in Singapore, Dr John Hsiang and our team are here to support you with personalised, evidence-based care. Whether you need a one-time screening or long-term monitoring, we are here to help.
